Scandinavian-interior-design-tips

Scandinavian style and hygge decor have swept the world over with a distinct look hailed in our favorite design magazines and blogs. With a focus on simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, this design movement which emerged in the 1950s has added an appreciation for craftsmanship and understated elegance in homes. Here’s a quick guide with our top tips for creating Scandinavian interior design in your own home. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to infuse a space with the clever functionality and pleasing aesthetics of Scandinavian interiors!

1. LIGHTING IS KEY IN SCANDINAVIAN INTERIORS

Scandinavian interior design bedroom lighting
Scandinavian interior design bedroom by Decorilla Designer, Kate S.

With as little as seven daylight hours in winter months, the way lighting is used in the design is paramount to typical Scandinavian design. Because daylight is a temporary luxury in the winter months people spend a lot more time indoors. When thinking about your Scandinavian interior it is important to have several types of lighting. Not only to help give off a cozy welcoming feeling but for mood-building purposes as well!

Scandinavian interior design tips lighting copenhagen
Photo from a recent Decorilla client visit to one of the best Scandinavian design capitals, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Candlelight is also a must. It adds a touch of whimsy glow to a room that makes staying indoors no problem at all. In addition to the interior of your home, Scandinavian cafes have votives at all hours. For example, people of Denmark (the Scandinavian design capital of the world) are known to keep candelabras lit on their dining tables and window sills.

Scandinavian Interior Design by Designer Eleni
Scandinavian living room interior design by Decorilla interior designer, Eleni P.

2. SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN MUSTS: FORM & FUNCTION

scandinavian interior design tips function
Scandinavian living room design by Decorilla Online Interior Designer, Kate S.

In terms of furniture, clean lines are the way to go. When looking at sofas and chairs you can often they’re inspired by mid-century modern design. Also commonly found is smooth rounded edges. Most of the Scandinavian style furniture has natural hues. Scandinavian layout and design also prides itself on innovative and functional design.

scandinavian interior design flooring
Scandinavian Style Living Room Design

In addition, texture plays a big part in Scandinavian furniture. If a chair is made from a rough metal material, you’ll often find something soft and cozy draped over it. Scandinavian living promotes a laid back lifestyle so it’s common to find pillows and blankets placed on the floor as well. A trend towards multileveled and sized wall shelving speaks to the need for being space-savvy through practical storage and visual interest. The Danish company, Montana, offers customizable cabinetry with an incredible selection of color.

Scandinavian design form and function Copenhagen
Photo from a recent Decorilla client visit to one of the best Scandinavian design capitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
Scandinavian interior designer consultation

3. LIGHT COLORED FLOORING

Scandinavian interior design tips for light flooring
Modern Scandinavian living room design by Decorilla interior designer, Kate S.

In regards to wall-to-wall carpet in Scandinavian interiors, it’s almost never seen. Flooring traditionally is hard-wood. Because of the raw nature, it’s often left in its natural color or painted white. This contributes to expanding the space and inviting in more light. Residential bathrooms often have heated tiles for a warm underfoot during the winter season.

Scandinavian design interior living room
Scandinavian home design

4. FRESH FLOWERS AND BOTANICALS

scandinavian design botanicals
Modern Scandinavian living area

It is important to have living elements of color and beauty in the Scandinavian style. “Fresh flowers are not a luxury, they’re a necessity”, shared a Copenhagen native. This is commonly apparent with sidewalk florists selling tulips of every color, arranged bouquets, succulents and more!

Scandinavian Interior Design
Scandinavian dining room interior design

5. NEUTRAL COLORS

Scandinavian interior design neutral dining room
Scandinavian dining room design by Decorilla Designer, Roberto D.

There is definitely a color palette associated with the Scandinavian style. Whites, grays, blacks, and browns are often interwoven creating a clean and calming look. Designers have also introduced other pop colors like dusty pinks and rich sea greens for added accents. In typical Scandinavian spaces, walls are kept white allowing for furniture and art to captivate.

scandinavian design
Design by Decorilla Scandinavian Interior Designer, Julian Francisco A.

6. CLUTTER-FREE SCANDINAVIAN INTERIORS

Clean Scandinavian interior design
Clean Scandinavian design by Decorilla interior designer, Eleni P.

One of the truest characteristics of Scandinavian interior design is making sure spaces are well used and limited in unnecessary clutter. Storage is widely implemented in the form of cabinets and shelving. Decor is intentional with a “less is more” mantra, keeping spaces looking clean and visually relaxing.

scandinavian interior design clutter free
Scandinavian bedroom design

7. LIMITED WINDOW TREATMENTS

scandinavian design windows
Scandinavian style window treatment

Contributing to the idea of inviting as much light in as possible, Scandinavian spaces tend to leave their windows bare of coverings. If used, light fabrics like linen and sheer are preferred. At night, the glow of illuminated windows in buildings looks like a beautiful postcard.

Scandinavian interior design bedroom
Scandinavian bedroom interior design

8. SIMPLE DECORATIVE ACCENTS

scandinavian interior design simple accessories
Scandinavian sitting area design by Decorilla online interior designer, Eleni P.

Decorative accents in Scandinavian design are simple in style. Elegant ceramic vases like these Kähler Botanica miniature vases and pillows with geometric patterns like these Normann Copenhagen cushions add subtle color and texture to a home.

scandinavian design accents
Scandinavian style accessories
scandinavian design simple living room
Scandinavian living room design

9. WARM TEXTILES

Scandinavian design textiles
Scandinavian design textiles

In cold climate countries, it’s not surprising that part of the decor comes in the form of warming textiles like sheepskins, wool or mohair throws and soft cotton. Not only do they provide a feeling of warmth and coziness, but they also add another layer of texture to a space.

Scandinavian interior design
Scandinavian interior design textiles

10. WOOD + METAL FINISHES IN SCANDINAVIAN INTERIORS

Scandinavian design
Modern Scandinavian Design Style

Modern Scandinavian design uses wood not only in their flooring but also decoratively in furniture such as dining and coffee tables. There is also a popular trend of bringing in metallic finishes in lighting and accent pieces. Copper and brass pendants and sconces are a way of adding shine to a room.

scandinavian design wood finish
Scandinavian kitchen design

Using these top 10 elements as a guide, you too can create a space that incorporates the simplicity, utility, and beauty of Scandinavian interior design. Decorilla affordable interior designers can use this style to create beautiful and comfortable spaces and show you how your place can look in this style too!

Still feel like you need a little interior design help? No worries – Schedule A Free Interior Design Consultation with a Scandinavian designer today to help you create the perfect space!

Written by Decorilla Interior Designer, Christine M

[images:  12, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 910, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

0 0 votes
Article Rating
3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback

[…] Image via Minimalisti and Decorilla  […]

trackback

[…] wanted a mix of those white plastic chairs with metal bistro chairs (via Decorilla and […]